Building community gets behind cancer research

Everyone has a story. Be that triumph, heartache or living in hope. Just within our intimate building company we have had staff, subbies and suppliers fight for life. It's a cause close to our hearts.

Joshua Baker, director B&H Homes

The Albury Wodonga building community has thrown its weight behind life-saving cancer research and caregiver support.

Joshua Baker, director of local family building company B&H Homes, initiated the fund raising campaign to contribute towards improving treatment outcomes, by cycling Tour de Cure in honour of his late father Julian, a well-known identity in the building industry.

"The support from the building industry has been outstanding," Joshua said.

"Long-term suppliers that extend decades with B&H have been major donors. Their business values reflect a genuine social conscience and care for community."

Tour de Cure raises funds for Australia's leading international cancer research institution - the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre - with 110 cyclists riding over 500km from Devonport to Hobart, spreading awareness and inspiring donations.

"Peter Mac", as it is known, is one of the world's leading cancer research, education and treatment centres globally and is Australia's only public hospital solely dedicated to caring for people affected by cancer.

"There was absolutely no hesitation from our key partners; Roofing Centre, Ground-up Building Products, Pronto Concrete (Barro Group), Albury-Wodonga Plastering Services, National Tiles, Stegbar, MBA, BMG Partners and Haymes Paint," Joshua said. "Everyone answered with 'absolutely. How can we contribute?'."

The collective motivation of the building community has simply been to contribute towards closing the gap between "hope" for treatment efficacy, versus survival "certainty" when faced with cancer.

"There is not a person that has not been impacted by cancer," Joshua said.

"Everyone has a story. Be that triumph, heartache or living in hope. Just within our intimate building community we have had staff, subbies and suppliers fight for life.

"It's a cause close to all of our hearts. As an entire team we're dreaming of a world without cancer."

In the past two years the Tour de Cure Peter MacCallum ride has raised over $1.2 million. This year the group of cyclists are aiming to raise $700,000.

"The contribution from our building supplier networks has made significant strides in immunotherapy, ovarian cancers and paediatric treatment," Joshua said. "Researchers hold great hope for immunotherapy as a game changer in cancer treatment."

"Watching loved ones suffer is a helpless feeling. It will take our entire community to close the gap on treatment certainty and our building network is doing our bit. I'm very grateful for the contribution of our suppliers that are truly making a difference."

To donate towards Peter MacCallum Cancer research visit www.tourdecure.com.au.